I really don't think of it as "taming" the bass, no. But I don't think of the sound of the combo to be at all bloated. I think the magic of the DX1000 is that the bass is very deep, but ultra-fast, and the CSP-2 does not mess this up, thank goodness.
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphone Amps (full-size) › REVIEW: Decware Select Zen CSP2 Tube Headphone Amp
Featured Stories
Topics Discussed
- brandDecware
- categoryDesktop Amps
- categoryHeadphone Amplifiers
Related Forum Threads
- Decware Appreciation Thread (MT review up on first page 2-10-12) Last post on Yesterday at 4:54 am in Headphone Amps (full-size)
- Taboo Last post on 3/10/13 at 6:16am in Headphone Amps (full-size)
- anyone compared the decwarwe zen csp2+ to the bottlehead crack Last post on 11/25/12 at 2:38pm in Headphone Amps (full-size)
- CSP2+/ASL OTL 32/WA2 Decisions Decisions Last post on 8/20/10 at 3:06pm in Headphone Amps (full-size)
- Zen Mini Torii SE Amp by Decware Last post on 10/13/11 at 7:11pm in Headphone Amps (full-size)
Related Articles
-
Diy Beginners Guide
Edited on 11/14/12
- Headphone Impedance
Edited on 8/18/12Recent Reviews
-
Let’s start with the accessories, which are 3 pairs of silicone tips (small, medium and large size), airline adapter plug (should replace it with foam tips or something else more practical IMO)...
-
Upon initial listening with these buds, I was rather unimpressed as I heard the rather familiar bloated mid-bass, sharp highs, and lack of mids that SKDY's old line carried. Then I realized that...
-
The VSD1 is the latest in a rather long line of budget in ear monitors including the VC02, GR99, GR02 and others that promises high quality sound for around $50 or so. While I haven’t had...
-
I tried a few Grado's —didn't like the Grado house sound—, a few Senn's —HD650 left a good impression—, a few lower-end AT's —I thought the AD700 were impressive for the price— and after reading...
-
In my recent quest for a new set of cans, I took a slight detour into the land of flashy prosumer headphones, in the form of the HK CL. The only reason I tried a pair was the price: half off,...
- Headphone Impedance
REVIEW: Decware Select Zen CSP2 Tube Headphone Amp - Page 2
Head-Fi's Best Sellers
post #17 of 463
7/11/08 at 9:50am
- Gazza
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 451 Posts. Joined 3/2008
- Location: Sydney, Australia
- Select All Posts By This User
Ah, brilliant.
It's definitely on my shortlist.
It's definitely on my shortlist.
post #18 of 463
7/11/08 at 10:20am
- atbglenn
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 1,664 Posts. Joined 12/2006
- Location: Long Island, NY
- Select All Posts By This User
Any chance we can see some internal shots?
- Skylab
- Trader Feedback: +46
- Reviewerus Prolificus
-
- offline
- 20,702 Posts. Joined 4/2005
- Location: Chicagoland
- Select All Posts By This User
No, I am not going to take it apart - sorry. I don't disassemble loaner units.
post #20 of 463
7/11/08 at 9:22pm
- atbglenn
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 1,664 Posts. Joined 12/2006
- Location: Long Island, NY
- Select All Posts By This User
Quote:
|
No, I am not going to take it apart - sorry. I don't disassemble loaner units.
|

post #21 of 463
7/13/08 at 10:38pm
- rivieraranch
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 366 Posts. Joined 9/2007
- Location: South Florida
- Select All Posts By This User
I just received a new Taboo, too. I have had it for just 11 days. I am inclined to eventually add a CSP2 to my Taboo.
post #22 of 463
7/13/08 at 10:58pm
- rivieraranch
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 366 Posts. Joined 9/2007
- Location: South Florida
- Select All Posts By This User
I own the predecessor of this unit, the MLB amplifier and I use it in my office. From what I have read, the MLB is very close to the CSP2 in performance, etc. It uses the same 6N1P/5Y3 tube combination and uses an expensive English Sowter transformer. It is very well made and inspired confidence.
DECWARE is very open about all their gear. They are not hiding anything from anybody. On their forums you can read about problems folks have had as well as what the majority of posters over there have to say; that they are deeply, madly satisfied with their equipment.
You can call with a question any time and the people on the other end are always helpful; what is more, they love audio.

DECWARE is very open about all their gear. They are not hiding anything from anybody. On their forums you can read about problems folks have had as well as what the majority of posters over there have to say; that they are deeply, madly satisfied with their equipment.
You can call with a question any time and the people on the other end are always helpful; what is more, they love audio.

post #23 of 463
7/14/08 at 10:53am
Skylab,
Try a 6106 as the rectifier in your CSP2. The "Red Bank" tube sounds very good and it's TOUGH. Like the 6087/5Y3WGTB, the 6106 is a 5Y3 with a cathode sleeve. Bendix developed the type for use in (sic) Nike anti-aircraft guided missiles.
Chinese and Russian tubes purported to be 5U4Gs can be disappointing. They are known to arc over, when used in combination with caps. and voltages that are well within published limits.
If 5U4s hold your interest, I suggest you acquire a NOS, US made, 5U4GB. Sorry, you don't get the "sexy" ST envelope, but you do get the crucial electrical and sonic performance. 
Try a 6106 as the rectifier in your CSP2. The "Red Bank" tube sounds very good and it's TOUGH. Like the 6087/5Y3WGTB, the 6106 is a 5Y3 with a cathode sleeve. Bendix developed the type for use in (sic) Nike anti-aircraft guided missiles.
Chinese and Russian tubes purported to be 5U4Gs can be disappointing. They are known to arc over, when used in combination with caps. and voltages that are well within published limits.
If 5U4s hold your interest, I suggest you acquire a NOS, US made, 5U4GB. Sorry, you don't get the "sexy" ST envelope, but you do get the crucial electrical and sonic performance. 
- Skylab
- Trader Feedback: +46
- Reviewerus Prolificus
-
- offline
- 20,702 Posts. Joined 4/2005
- Location: Chicagoland
- Select All Posts By This User
Thanks Eli. If I wasn't clear, I am not using ANY Chinese or Russian tubes. I am using NOS Sylvania tubes. I have been using a Sylvania 5Y3G, and I did use a 6106 as well as the 6087/5Y3WGTB, but I am now using a JAN-Sylvania VT-244/5U4G. I have been using JAN-Sylvania 6DJ8's the whole time.
post #25 of 463
7/25/08 at 7:52am
- arirug
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 235 Posts. Joined 4/2007
- Location: Oslo, Norway
- Select All Posts By This User
Shipping notification received! Should be here within the next week. It took one month from ordering till they finished it. And that was exactly what they told me. I have started looking for tubes on ebay. Are there any who can recommend a few trustworthy ebay dealers who ships 6DJ8 or its equivavelent worldwide?
- Skylab
- Trader Feedback: +46
- Reviewerus Prolificus
-
- offline
- 20,702 Posts. Joined 4/2005
- Location: Chicagoland
- Select All Posts By This User
I'd recommend Welcome to TubeDepot.com! - pick up some JAN Sylvanias.
post #27 of 463
7/25/08 at 12:36pm
- arirug
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 235 Posts. Joined 4/2007
- Location: Oslo, Norway
- Select All Posts By This User
Thank you Skylab! I will do that!
post #28 of 463
7/29/08 at 10:22am
- arirug
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 235 Posts. Joined 4/2007
- Location: Oslo, Norway
- Select All Posts By This User
Today it was delivered to my door. I had to pay 230 dollars in customs charge, so the total inclusive shipping is 1143 dollars. I have just tried it for two hours with the original tubes; 1 Ruby 5U4GC and three Russian 6N1P. Even with this tubes it beats my Two modified Darkvoice 336i and graham Slee Solo hands down! My MD2000 Deluxe, markl modded Denon D2000, really shines! This CSP2 together with the markl modded Denons are the two audio buys ever that have made me most satisfied! Will write more later.
- Skylab
- Trader Feedback: +46
- Reviewerus Prolificus
-
- offline
- 20,702 Posts. Joined 4/2005
- Location: Chicagoland
- Select All Posts By This User
Very good to hear, arirug! If you can get a Western vintage/NOS 5U4G and some 6DJ8's, it will sound even better! Congrats on getting a fine, fine amp.
post #30 of 463
7/29/08 at 11:00am
- arirug
- Trader Feedback: 0
-
- offline
- 235 Posts. Joined 4/2007
- Location: Oslo, Norway
- Select All Posts By This User
Thank you Skylab! I have allready bought 3 NOS Sylvania 6DJ8 tubes, 2 NOS 5U4GB JAN Philips and 2 5U4GB Sylvania NOS.
Return Home
Back to Forum: Headphone Amps (full-size)
- REVIEW: Decware Select Zen CSP2 Tube Headphone Amp
Head-Fi's Best Sellers
Head-Fi.org › Forums › Equipment Forums › Headphone Amps (full-size) › REVIEW: Decware Select Zen CSP2 Tube Headphone Amp
Currently, there are 1995 Active Users
(429 Members and 1566 Guests)
Recent Discussions
- › Show us your vintage headphones! 17 seconds ago
- › What Are You Listening To Right Now? -New thread, new rules. Please... 53 seconds ago
- › Singapore Meet - 7 September 2013. 1 minute ago
- › The T50RP Paradox | reviews, discussion, & mini-tour impressions... 1 minute ago
- › good turntable that can rip vinyls to lossless digital 2 minutes ago
- › Fiio X3 Thread. Full review:... 2 minutes ago
- › Mad Lust Envy's Headphone Gaming Guide: (Updated: 5/23/2013.... 2 minutes ago
- › The FitEar CIEM Appreciation/Impressions Thread 3 minutes ago
- › The diary entries of a little girl who is now 30! ~ Part 2 4 minutes ago
- › Sennheiser HD 650 Mod Compilation 4 minutes ago
View: New Posts | All Discussions
Recent Reviews
- › Rockit Sounds R-50 by danikus
- › Skullcandy S2SYDA-008 Merge Earbud Headphones - Black/Chrome by KodaO
- › VSONIC VSD1 by TheGame21x
- › Audio Technica W5000 by the wizard of oz
- › Harmon Kardon Classic On-Ear Headphones by imagic
- › Creative Aurvana Live! Headphones by imagic
- › JBL J33 Premium In-Ear Headphones - Black by Aakash
- › Hisoundaudio Wooduo 2 by iern
- › Apple iPod classic 160 GB Silver (7th Generation) NEWEST MODEL by jensy
- › Sony MDR-V55/BR DJ style Headphones by dietcoke2am
View: More Reviews
New Articles
- › Syncing music and making playlists work with... by Currawong
- › Mac OS X Music Players - alternatives to iTunes by miceblue
- › STAX SR-007 (Omega II) ... A Review After 4... by Currawong
- › List of lossless and high-res music (FLAC,... by ffivaz
- › Beware of the following scams and people... by Currawong
- › Sennheiser 449 Mod Possibly 4 8 Mod by hernan604
- › 2012 Head-Fi Holiday Gift Guide (Computer Audio) by joe
- › 2012 Head-Fi Holiday Gift Guide (Portable... by joe
- › 2012 Head-Fi Holiday Gift Guide (Desktop Audio) by joe
- › 2012 Head-Fi Holiday Gift Guide (Headphone... by joe
View: New Articles | All Articles
Home | Head Gear | Forums | Articles | My Profile
About Head-Fi.org | Join the Community | Advertise
© 2013 Head-Fi.org is powered by Huddler Tech | FAQ | Support | Privacy/TOS | Site Map
About Head-Fi.org | Join the Community | Advertise
© 2013 Head-Fi.org is powered by Huddler Tech | FAQ | Support | Privacy/TOS | Site Map


















